Par"ty (?), n.; pl. Parties (#). [F. parti and partie, fr. F. partir to
part, divide, L. partire, partiri. See Part, v.] 1. A part or portion.
[Obs.] "The most party of the time." Chaucer.
2. A number of persons united in opinion or action, as distinguished
from, or opposed to, the rest of a community or association; esp., one
of the parts into which a people is divided on questions of public
policy.
Win the noble Brutus to our party.
Shak.
The peace both parties want is like to last.
Dryden.
3. A part of a larger body of company; a detachment; especially (Mil.),
a small body of troops dispatched on special service.
4. A number of persons invited to a social entertainment; a select
company; as, a dinner party; also, the entertainment itself; as, to
give a party.
5. One concerned or interested in an affair; one who takes part with
others; a participator; as, he was a party to the plot; a party to the
contract.
6. The plaintiff or the defendant in a lawsuit, whether an individual,
a firm, or corporation; a litigant.
The cause of both parties shall come before the judges.
Ex. xxii. 9.
7. Hence, any certain person who is regarded as being opposed or
antagonistic to another.
It the jury found that the party slain was of English race, it had
been adjudged felony.
Sir J. Davies.